your team

We are all just trying our best out here in the world aren't we?

Why we are so hard on ourselves......I will never understand.

Most of us are so quick to forgive someone a missed deadline or forgotten appointment yet we can't seem to give ourselves the same courtesy. Although it is important to have standards and to want to do our best, there are times when we focus too much on doing what is best for others and lose focus on doing what is best for us. When I was growing up my parents always said "pay yourself first". They were referring to saving money but I think this can also be applied to other parts of our life.  "Love yourself first." 

Asking for help is tough sometimes and I think it is partly because most of us are misguided in thinking that admitting you are overwhelmed or that you need some attention is a sign of weakness or that you are being selfish. When our loved ones ask us for help we don't think about weakness....we just help them get through whatever is going on - so why do we assume they would judge us? I think we all struggle with this concept. If you plan it right you may not even have to ask, it all depends on your team. I have surrounded myself with a great team and much of the time they know when I need help getting through a tough spot, or a shoulder to cry on, a kick in the ass to remind me it could be worse or when I just need to be silly and share a good belly laugh!

As team captain it is up to me who gets to play, who has to sit on the bench and who doesn't make the cut. Just because someone tries out does not mean they are getting a jersey. Sometimes I am the one on the bench and I need to count on my team to do the heavy lifting and other days my top player is out on an injury. Whatever the case, the game is still on and tomorrow is another day. It is so important to have the right team, knowing the strengths and weakness of your players and being kind to yourself.

Take a tip from the NHL and once a year have a trade day.....maybe its not a trade but just a time to get rid of some of the team members that aren't fit for your team anymore. But remember to keep at least one goon....they are important!